FARQUAR-METSA PARK

About the Farquar-Metsa Park Swimming Hole

Tucked into the dense, cathedral-like forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Farquar-Metsa Park offers one of the region's most quietly rewarding natural escapes. The swimming hole here sits along the East Branch Escanaba River, where cool, clear water winds through a corridor of birch, pine, and hardwood — the kind of landscape that makes you feel genuinely far from the rest of the world, even if you arrived by car just minutes ago. This is an unofficial swimming area, meaning you won't find a lifeguard stand or a roped-off lane, but what you will find is honest, uncrowded river swimming in one of the most beautiful corners of the Midwest.

The Setting and Landscape

The Upper Peninsula has a way of slowing everything down, and Farquar-Metsa Park is no exception. The East Branch Escanaba River moves with the unhurried pace of glacially carved country, its water running surprisingly clear over a bed of rocks and river stones. Surrounding forest presses close to the banks, casting dappled shade across the water on warm summer afternoons. You're likely to hear birdsong before you hear anything else. In the warmer months, the canopy is a deep, saturated green; come September and October, the same trees ignite into amber, red, and gold — making autumn visits a genuine treat for photographers and foliage lovers alike. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the seasons, so keep an eye on the treeline.

What Swimming Is Like

The river's cool, clear water is the main attraction, offering refreshing relief during the warm stretch of June through August. Because this is a natural river environment, water depths and conditions will vary — and the riverbed's rocks, while part of the charm, can be slippery underfoot. Approach entry points with care and consider water shoes if you're bringing younger swimmers. The setting rewards those who take it slow: wade in gradually, feel the current, and let the cold clarity of the water do what Upper Peninsula rivers do best. This is easy-to-moderate terrain overall, accessible by car with the swimming hole located within the park itself.

Practical Visit Information

Farquar-Metsa Park includes a campground with full hookups for RVs, making it a genuine destination for those who want to linger — spend the evening listening to the river and wake up to morning mist rising off the water. All facilities are located at the campground. Fee information is not confirmed, so plan to carry cash and check locally before your visit. Because this is an unofficial swimming area, there are no staffed safety services on-site. Visitors are encouraged to use good judgment, especially with children, and never swim alone.

Plan Your Visit

Farquar-Metsa Park serves the communities of Marquette and Gwinn, both within reasonable driving distance and worth building into your trip. Marquette, the largest city in the Upper Peninsula, offers restaurants, lodging, and access to Lake Superior's shoreline. Gwinn is a quieter stop with small-town character. Whether you're passing through on a longer UP road trip or setting up camp for a few nights, this stretch of the East Branch Escanaba River offers a genuine taste of Michigan's wild, unhurried north.